The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) has specified the protocols to be observed in schools, when the new academic School Year for 2022 to 2023 starts on Monday, September 19, for students.
Chief Education Officer (CEdo), Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw during a press conference held today announced the protocols that would guide the return of full face-to-face and a pre-pandemic scheduling format for school.
Dr. Archer-Bradshaw noted that while the three-foot distancing protocol would no longer be observed, mask-wearing would be required indoors at all times. “With regard to mask-wearing, that will be done indoors at all times, so as long as children and staff members are indoors on the school compound they will be required to wear masks.
“Masks breaks will be allowed, however, these masks breaks will have to occur on the outdoors, they will not be permitted indoors. With regard to the outdoors, mask-wearing is optional so children and staff members can make the decision whether they will wear masks or not,” the CEdo stated.
She further added that students who are engaging in physical education or other physical activities while outdoors are not required to wear masks.
The Education official also specified that hand sanitisation would be mandatory on entry to the school and frequent hand sanitization would be encouraged throughout the day.
General assemblies will return to the pre-pandemic arrangement and all extra-curricular activities will resume in full.
With regards to students and teachers being COVID-19 vaccinated to return to the school plant, the CEdO said: “No, vaccines are not required for entry into the school; however, they are highly encouraged by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”
In the event that a student or staff member exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 while on the school compound, Dr. Archer-Bradshaw pointed out that the individual will be required to seek medical attention immediately and they will also be encouraged to get tested.
Parents/guardians are advised and encouraged not to send their sick child or ward to school. “Please keep them at home, allow them to get the medical attention that is required, or take them to get tested,” urged the Chief Education Officer, while stressing this was necessary to ensure that other children and members of the school staff remained safe.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, responding to a query on what would happen if a spike in COVID-19 cases occurred within a school plant, said the Ministry would consult with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other educational stakeholders. She noted her Ministry would “take advice and take lead from them”, then make a decision “based on the facts at the time”. “In the event that we believe that [operational protocol] is threatened significantly and that the ability of our students to be able to learn in a safe environment is, in fact, something that’s being compromised, we will take the necessary decisions,” the Education Minister stated.